Dear Event Participants and Guests!

On behalf of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan, I sincerely welcome you to the closing ceremony of the "Samarkand – Commonwealth Cultural Capital-2024" Interstate Program.

Uzbekistan actively participates in the activities of the Interstate Fund for Humanitarian Cooperation of the CIS states, which was established to strengthen cultural, educational, and scientific ties among the Commonwealth countries.

Within this cooperation, Uzbekistan takes part in various humanitarian projects aimed at developing cultural exchange, supporting educational initiatives, and preserving shared historical and cultural values.

Representatives of Uzbekistan actively participate in various events organized by IFES. For example, in September of this year, a delegation led by the leadership of our ministry took part in the 17th Forum of CIS Creative and Scientific Intellectuals, held in Ufa, Russia.

We are interested in further developing such cooperation. The designation of Samarkand as the Cultural Capital of the Commonwealth is a clear confirmation of its significance and influence within the CIS.

Samarkand holds a special place in the modern history of Uzbekistan. In recent years, it has gained international recognition and has become an important cultural, economic, and political center.

The city regularly hosts international conferences, congresses, and symposiums. Dear friends and colleagues, within the framework of this year's project, numerous important events have also been organized in Samarkand.

One of the most significant events was the opening ceremony of the "Samarkand – 2024 Cultural Capital of the Commonwealth" program in April this year.

Samarkand has become a center of cultural exchange, welcoming numerous guests and participants from CIS countries. A wide range of events, from exhibitions and concerts to masterclasses, has served to strengthen ties between our peoples.

Additionally, as part of the closing ceremony, masterclasses by the CIS Youth Symphony Orchestra were held in music and art schools across the city.

Moreover, within the framework of the "Book as a Gift" campaign, presentations and excursions to Samarkand’s historical landmarks were organized. These joint projects have significantly enriched the content and importance of the events.

I would also like to extend a warm welcome to all members of the CIS Youth Symphony Orchestra, led by the distinguished Russian conductor, People’s Artist Sergey Ivanovich Skripka, who have traveled to our country for today’s event. I wish them success in their artistic endeavors.

In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that this year, Samarkand has truly become the capital of the Commonwealth’s cultural space. In this regard, I express my gratitude to the program's organizers and all those who contributed to its implementation.

Taking this opportunity, I also congratulate the representatives of Lachin (Azerbaijan), which has been designated as the CIS Cultural Capital for 2025, and wish them success in organizing upcoming events.

Thank you for your attention! Welcome to Uzbekistan!